Exercise machine with leverage arm

ABSTRACT

An exercise machine utilizes the inherent capabilities of human muscles to exert greater forces during eccentric functions than during concentric functions. The exercise machine comprises a leverage arm pivotally connected to a frame. A force station is at a first distance from the pivotal connection. During a concentric muscle function, a person lifts first weights on the leverage arm. At the end of the concentric muscle function, a spotter applies a small force to the leverage arm at a second distance greater than the first distance from the pivotal connection. The small force produces a magnified load at the force station that the person resists during an eccentric muscle function. The leverage arm may be adjustable relative to the floor. The weight of the leverage arm may be counterbalanced. Various embodiments of the exercise machine utilize the same principles of physics for exercising different muscles.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/233,036, filed 3 Sep. 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to exercise machines, and more particularly toapparatus that produces different loads during concentric and eccentricmuscle functions of an exercising person.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The physiology of human muscles enables them to function in threedifferent ways. The first is a positive or concentric function in whichthe muscles contract under a load that is less than the muscle strength.The second way is a static or isometric function in which the muscleattempts to contract against a load that is greater than the musclestrength. The third muscle function is a negative or eccentric functionin which an external load is large enough to overcome the musclestrength and force the muscle to elongate in spite of an attempt by theperson to contract the muscle.

It is well known that muscles perform much more efficiently duringeccentric functions than during concentric or isometric functions. Thesame muscle can exert a greater force during eccentric functions than itcan during either concentric or isometric functions. In addition, theenergy expended, and the associated electrical activities or pulses ofthe muscle nervous system, are greater during concentric and isometricfunctions compared to eccentric functions when overcoming the same load.

Various types of equipment have been developed to assist personsexercise their muscles. The equipment ranges from simple hand-heldbarbells to complicated and expensive hydraulically controlled machines.Many machines are very specialized in that they are designed to exerciseonly one or a very limited set of muscles.

With only very few exceptions, prior exercise machines have not takenadvantage of the muscle physiology related to the differences inefficiency between concentric and eccentric functions. Almost all knownprior machines impose a single load that the person must overcome duringboth concentric and eccentric muscle functions. A few prior exercisemachines were capable of imposing different loads for concentric andeccentric muscle functions, but those machines invariably included veryexpensive and complicated hydraulic systems.

Examples of prior mechanical exercise machines are plentiful. ThePowertec Direct Company of Milford, Pa., markets a wide variety ofequipment for exercising many of the body's muscles such as legs, back,chest, thigh, and arms. The Hammer Strength Company of Cincinnati, Ohio,and Promaxima Manufacturing Limited of Houston, Tex., also marketrespective lines of mechanical exercising equipment.

Many of the commercially available exercise machines utilize one or morepivoting beams. One end of the beam is pivoted to a frame. The beamsupports one or more weights. The exercising person oscillates the beamand weights by alternately performing concentric and eccentric functionsby the appropriate muscles. The beam and weight design of priorequipment imposes the same load for both the concentric and eccentricmuscle functions.

A typical example of prior equipment is the bench press, such as ismarketed by the Powertec Direct Company. Somewhat similar equipment isshown in PCT patent WO89/01805. Other examples of beam and weight typeexercising machines may be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,050,873; 5,066,003;5,125,881; 5,135,449; 5,135,456; 5,171,198; 5,180,354; 5,181,896;5,273,504; 5,273,505; and Des 321,391. No machine of the foregoingpatents gives any indication that different loads should be overcome bythe person during concentric and eccentric functions of his muscles.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,155 shows equipment that takes into account theinherent ability of human muscles to perform differently duringconcentric and eccentric functions. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,155 shows aharness that is worn by an exercising person. A spotter operates a ropethat is tied to the harness through a block and tackle in order toassist the person to raise weights during concentric muscle functions.During the eccentric muscle functions, the spotter allows an increasedload to be imposed on the exercising person.

Despite the widespread availability of numerous different kinds ofexercise machines, further improvements to them are desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an exercise machine having aleverage arm is provided that greatly increases the efficiency of muscledevelopment. This is accomplished by using the leverage arm to changethe load a person must overcome during concentric and eccentric musclefunctions.

The exercise machine is comprised of a frame that rests on a floor. Aleverage arm is pivotally connected to the frame. The leverage armincludes a force station that pivots with the leverage arm relative tothe frame. A support for a person is attached to the frame. The supportand the force station are located relative to each other to enable aperson to exercise a particular set of muscles. The force station is ata first distance that is as close as practical to the pivotal connectionof the leverage arm to the frame. A spotter end of the leverage arm isat a second distance from the pivotal connection. Preferably, the ratioof the second distance to the first distance is approximately four toone. Depending on the particular muscles that are to be exercised, theforce station may be on the same side or on the opposite side of thepivotal connection as the leverage arm spotter end. The leverage arm hasweight bars for holding first weights. The weight bars may, but need notbe, at the leverage arm spotter end.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is an adjuster on theleverage arm. The adjuster holds the leverage arm spotter end off thefloor. The adjuster is adjustable on the leverage arm so as to vary thelocation of the force station relative to the support.

In use, an exercising person places desired first weights on the weightbars. A spotter stands adjacent the leverage arm spotter end. The personplaces himself in the appropriate way on the machine support. Hecontacts the force station with the appropriate part of his body. Heexerts the appropriate muscles in a concentric function to overcome thegravitational load of the first weights and pivot the leverage armupwardly.

At the end of the concentric muscle function, the spotter applies asmall force on the spotter end of the leverage arm. The small force maybe a small weight applied to the leverage arm. Alternately, the spottermay put downwardly on the leverage arm with his hands. The small forceacts through the second distance between the leverage arm spotter endand the pivotal connection of the leverage arm with the frame to createa torque. Since the second distance is greater than the first distancebetween the force station and the pivotal connection of the leverage armto the frame, a resultant load equal to the small applied force timesthe ratio of the second distance to the first distance is imposed at theforce station. During the eccentric muscle function, therefore, theperson exerts a force that resists the sum of the gravitational load ofthe first weights plus the resultant load of the small applied force. Atthe end of the eccentric muscle function, the spotter removes the smallforce from the leverage arm. The exercising person then repeats theconcentric muscle function, again overcoming only the gravitational loadproduced by the first weights, and the cycle repeats. In that manner,the person makes maximum use of his different muscle abilities toovercome different loads during concentric and eccentric functions.

The weight of the leverage arm adds to the gravitational load of thefirst weights that the exercising person must overcome during concentricmuscle functions and resist during eccentric muscle functions. In someinstances, it may desirable to negate the weight of the leverage armsuch that the person must exert muscle functions involving only thefirst weights and the small applied force. In those situations, theexercise machine of the invention is designed with a counterweight armon the opposite side of the pivotal connection with the frame as theleverage arm. Counterweights are added to the counterweight arm suchthat a torque created about the pivotal connection between thecounterweight arm and the frame by the counterweights equals [he torquecreated by the weight. of the leverage arm.

It is an important feature of the invention that it is adaptable toexercising any of a wide variety of muscles. In one embodiment theexercise machine is in the form of a bench press. Other embodiments areespecially useful to enable a person to perform squat, leg extension,leg curl, leg press, and other well-known exercises. The differentembodiments of the invention have the same basic frame and leverage arm.Only the support and the force station vary to suit the particularexercise to be performed. In each type of exercise machine, the samelaws of physics are used by the leverage arm and small force applied toit by a spotter at the end of each concentric muscle function. As aresult, maximum efficiency is attained for the particular muscle that isexercised on the machine.

The method and apparatus of the invention, using a leverage arm thatproduces a magnified load at a force station of a small forceselectively applied to the leverage arm, thus greatly increases theefficiency of exercise workouts. The full ability of the exercisingperson to resist a greater load during eccentric muscle functions thanhe overcomes during concentric functions is realized, even though thespotter need apply only a small force.

Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detaileddescription of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise machine according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a view of the invention of FIG. 1 with an exercising personsupported on the bench.

FIG. 3 is a view of the exercise machine and exercising person at theend of a concentric muscle function.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but showing a small weight appliedto the leverage arm.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the forces and torques involved in theoperation of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention of FIG.6, but showing a counterbalance.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the torques involved with the exercisemachine of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate exercise machine accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the major components of the exercisemachine of FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the major components of the exercisemachine of FIG. 9.

FIGS. 12A-12K are schematic views of the major components of furtheralternate exercise machines according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring first to FIG. 1, an exercise machine with a leverage arm 1 isillustrated that includes the present invention. The particular exercisemachine 1 shown is in the general form of a bench press. However, aswill be discussed in detail hereinafter, it will be understood that theinvention is not limited to machines for exercising any specific humanmuscles. On the contrary, different embodiments of the invention areuseful for exercising a wide variety of muscles.

The exercise machine 1 is comprised of a frame 3, a leverage arm 5, anda support 6. The leverage arm 5 is pivotally connected to the frame 3 atbearings 7. The bearings 7 define a common pivotal axis 8. The leveragearm 5 is pivotable in the directions of arrows 9 and 11 about the axis8.

In the particular exercise machine 1 shown, the frame 3 is made with twoupstanding posts 13 that are fixed to two transverse braces 14 and 15 ofa stabilizer 27. The stabilizer 27 is perpendicular to the pivotal axis8. A second end of the stabilizer 27 includes a short stub leg 26. Onthe bottom of the stabilizer stub leg 26 is a foot plate 29 that issupported on the floor 19. The stabilizer foot plate 29 cooperates withthe post foot plates 17 to form a stable three-point tripod-type frame.

The support 6 of the exercise machine 1 is in the general form of ahorizontal bench 21. The support has a first vertical leg 18 that isattached to the frame braces 14 and 15. A second vertical leg 28upstands from the stub leg 26 of the frame 3. Between the tops of thelegs 18 and 28 is a cross-plate 29. A horizontal pad 31 is on thecross-plate 29. The pad 31 may be a sturdy flat board made of wood orsimilar material. The hoard is covered with a comfortable padding anddurable cover, such as vinyl.

In the illustrated exercise machine 1, the leverage arm 5 is comprisedof two parallel beams 33. A first end 35 of each beam 33 is pivotallyconnected to a respective frame post 13 by a bearing 7. Preferably, thebearings are in the form of pillow blocks that are bolted to the posts.Each beam has a first section 37 adjacent the first end 35, and a secondsection 41 next to the first section. In the illustrated construction,the second section 41 angles downwardly relative to the first sectiontoward the floor 19. The second section terminates at a spotter end 45of the beam. A spotter bar 47 is joined to the two beams near theirrespective spotter ends 45. The spotter bar 47 is at a distance D fromthe common pivotal axis 8 of the bearings 7. Also see FIG. 5. Thespotter bar is preferably round in shape and is bowed outwardly from thebeams spotter ends 45.

There is a beam adjuster 49 assembled to each beam 33 of the leveragearm 5. Each beam adjuster 49 is composed of a flanged channel 51 mountedto the associated beam by fasteners 52. A tubular column 53 is slideablebetween the beam and the channel 51. At the lower end of the column 53is an enlarged foot 58 that rests on the floor 19. A pin 54 is removablyinsertable through an aligned set of holes in the channel and any ofseveral holes 36 in the column. The columns can be slid in the channelsto the desired position relative to the beams and maintained there bymeans of the pins 54. Consequently, the angular orientation of theleverage arm relative to the floor and to the bench 21 is adjustable.

Overlying the bench 21 is a force station 36. In the particular benchpress exercise machine 1 shown, the force station 36 is in the forms ofa lift bar 55. The lift bar 55 extends between the first sections 37 ofthe beams 33. Preferably, the opposite ends of the lift bar arerotatably supported in respective pillow blocks 57 that are bolted tothe beams. The lift bar is at a distance D1 from the pivotal axis 8 ofthe frame bearings 7, FIG. 5. For maximum comfort and effectiveness ofthe exercise machine, the lift bar is as close as practical to thepivotal axis.

Rigidly secured to and projecting outwardly from each first section 37of each beam 33 is a weight bar 59. The weight bars 59 may be generallyaligned with the lift bar 55. Preferably, the weight bars angle upwardlyby approximately ten degrees.

Turning to FIG. 2, the exercise machine 1 is used in the followingmanner. An exercising person 61 places a desired first weight 63 on eachweight bar 59. He lies on his back on the bench 21, with his knees bent,his feet on the floor 19, and his chest under the lift bar 55. Ifnecessary, the columns 53 of the adjusters 49 are adjusted such thatthere is the proper amount of space between the person's chest and thelift bar. With the person comfortably supported on the bench, he graspsthe lift bars with both hands. He exerts a concentric function of theappropriate back, shoulder, and arm muscles with a force F slightlygreater than the combined gravitational load W of the two first weights63 As a result, the leverage arm 5, together with the first weights,pivots in the direction of arrow 9. The end of the concentric musclefunction is shown in FIG. 3.

At the end of the concentric muscle function, a spotter, not shown,hangs a small weight 67 of weight W1 on the spotter bar 47. See FIG. 4.The bowed configuration of the spotter bar 47 provides room for thespotter to stand on the floor 19 without interfering with the exercisingperson 61. The small weight 67 acts through the distance D to create atorque T on the leverage arms 5. The torque T imposes a resultant loadW2 at the force station 36 that is greater than the gravitational loadW1 of the small weight 67 by the ratio of the distances D to D1. Thetotal force F1 that must be resisted by the person is then equal to thesum of the load W due to the gravitational load of the first weights 63plus the resultant load W2 due to the small weight 67. The person'smuscles are capable of resisting the sum of the loads W and W2 during aneccentric function. Consequently, the person is able to pivot theleverage arm and weights 63 and 67 with complete control in thedirection of arrow 11. At the end of the eccentric muscle function, thespotter removes the small weight 67. The exercising person then exertsjust the force F again to lift the weights 63, and the process isrepeated.

Instead of using a separate small weight 67 during eccentric musclefunctions, the spotter may apply a small force to time spotter bar 47 bypushing downwardly lightly with his hands on the spotter bar 47. Themanual force applied by the spotter is analogous to the weight W1 of thesmall weight 67. The small manual force acts through the distance D andimposes a resultant load W2 at the force station 36 in the same manneras the small weight 67.

As an example of a preferred embodiment of the bench press exercisemachine 1, the lift bar 55 of the force station 36 is approximately 18inches from the axis 8. The spotter bar 47 is approximately 72 inchesfrom the axis 8. Assuming the first weights 63 weigh 100 pounds, andassuming the person has 25 percent greater muscle capability in theeccentric function than in the concentric function, the small appliedweight 67, or the slight force by the spotter's hands, need be onlyapproximately six pounds. A six pound applied force magnifies to a 24pound gravitational load at the lift bar that the person resists duringeccentric muscle functions. Maximum efficiency of the bench pressexercise machine is thus achieved with but minimal effort on the part ofthe spotter. Because of the angled construction of the leverage beamsecond sections 41, the spotter does not have to reach very high inorder to hang the small weight 67 or apply the manual force.

Looking at FIG. 6, a modified exercise machine 167 is illustrated. Themodified exercise machine 167 is generally similar to the bench-pressexercise machine 1 described above. The exercise machine 167 has a 6 hasa frame 3′ and a support 6′ in the form of a bench press 21′. A leveragearm 169 is pivotally connected to the frame posts 13′ by bearings 7′that define a pivotal connection axis 8′. The leverage arm 169 has twobeams 33′ each with a first section 37′ and an angled second section41′. There is an adjuster 49′ on each beam 33′ near a spotter bar 47′.The leverage arm has a force station 36′ in the form of a lift bar 55′that extends between the first sections 37′ of the two beams 33′.

The leverage arm 169 of the exercise machine 167 has two weight bars 171on the associated beams 33′. The weight bars 171 are close to thespotter ends 45′ of the beams 33′ rather than at the force station 36′.First weights 173 placed on the weight bars 171 produce a magnifiedgravitational load at the lift bar 55′. For example, for an exercisemachine 167 having the same dimensions as the exercise machine 1previously described, first weights of 25 pounds produce the same loadat the lift bar 55′ as the 100 pounds first weights 63. Again a smallweight or manual force of approximately six pounds on the spotter bar47′ produces a 25 percent increase in the force the exercising personmust exert during eccentric muscle functions.

Returning to FIGS. 1-4, it will be recognized that the weight of thebeams 33, lift arm 55, weight bars 59, and spotter bar 47 of theleverage arm 5 add to the gravitational load that the exercising personmust overcome during the concentric muscle functions and resists duringeccentric muscle functions. In some instances, it may be desirable tocancel out the weight of the leverage arm. For example, young personsand those at the beginning stages of their exercise regimens may not beable or willing to exert enough force to overcome and resist the weightof the leverage arm.

Turning to FIG. 7, an exercise machine 129 is capable of canceling outthe weight of the leverage arm. The exercise machine 29 has a frame 131that rests on a floor 149. A leverage arm 133 pivotally connects to theframe 131 at bearings 135. The exercise machine 129 has a support 136attached to the frame. The support 136 is in the form of a bench 137.The leverage arm 133 includes a force station 138 located over the bench137. As illustrated, the leverage arm has two parallel beams 139, eachpivotally connected by means of a respective bearing 135 to a post 141of the frame 131. In turn, cacti beam 139 is composed of a first section140 next to the bearings, and a second section 147 next to the firstsection. The second sections 149 angle toward the floor 149 andterminate in respective spotter ends 146. The spotter ends 146 arejoined to a spotter bar 145. Near the spotter end of each beam 140 is anadjuster 142 that is substantially similar to the adjuster 49 describedpreviously in connection with the exercise machine 1.

For the bench press exercise machine 129, the force station 138 is alift bar 148 that extends between and is secured to the beams 139 overthe bench 137. The exercise machine 129 is depicted as having firstweight bars 150 projecting outwardly and slightly upwardly from thesecond sections 147 of the beams 139 near their respective spotter ends146. However, if desired, the weight bars could project outwardly fromthe force station 138 in line with the lift bar 148 in the manner of theexercise machine 1 of FIGS. 1-4.

The exercise machine 129 further includes a counterweight, arm 143 thatis on the opposite side of the bearings 135 as the leverage arm 133. Inthe preferred embodiment, the counterweight arm 143 is constructed astwo counterweight beams 144 that are integral and colinear with theassociated leverage arm beams 139. The counterweight beams 144 extendoppositely of the pivotal axis 151 from the respective leverage armbeams. At the free end 152 of each counterweight arm beam 144 is acounterweight bar 153.

Initially, no weights are put on either the first weight bars 150 or onthe counterweight bars 153. In that situation, the weight of theleverage arm 133 creates a first torque T1 about the bearings 135. Alsosee FIG. 8. The weight of the counterweight arm 143 creates an oppositebut much smaller second torque T2 about the bearings. As a result, theadjusters 142 rest on the floor 149. A person adds counterweights 161 tothe counterweight bars to create a torque T3. The counterweights 161 areadded until the value of the second torque T2 plus the torque T3 equalsthe first torque T1. At that point, the weight of the leverage arm iscancelled out.

The exercise machine 129 is used in a manner similar to the bench pressexercise machines 1 and 167 described previously. The person placesfirst weights 163 on the weight bars 150. During exercising, the personmust overcome only the gravitational load of the first weights 163during concentric muscle functions. A spotter, not shown, applies asmall weight or force with his hands to the spotter bar 145 duringeccentric muscle functions of the exercising person, as explainedpreviously.

Further in accordance with the present invention the physics principlesassociated with the leverage arm is adaptable to numerous types ofexercise machines. In each case, the exercise machine comprises a frame,a support for a person's body, arid a leverage arm with a force station.Further, the principles associated with the counterweight arms andcounterweights are applicable to nurse cons types of exercise machines.For example, as explained, the exercise machine 129 with thecounterweight arm 143 and counterweights 161 is depicted as being in theform a bench press machine. Looking at FIG. 9, an exercise machine 69with a leverage arm is shown that is particularly useful for exercising[lie legs by using squat arid calf raise type exercises. The exercisemachine 69 has a stable tripod-type frame 71 that is illustrated ashaving two upright posts 73 tied together with transverse braces 75 arid77 and a stabilizer 80. The lower ends of the posts 73 may have footplates 79 that rest on a floor 19′ The stabilizer 80 has a footplate 84that rests on the floor 19′ The exercise machine 59 further has asupport 86 that supports a person for performing squat and similar typeexercises. The support 86 comprises a platform 82 that is attached tothe frame stabilizer 80. Depending on the particular construction of theexercise machine 69, the platform 82 may also be attached to the framebrace 75. Although illustrated as being parallel to the floor 19′, theplatform 82 may be at an angle to the floor such that it tilts upwardlytoward the brace 75.

A leverage arm 81 is pivotally connected to the frame posts 73 atbearings 74. The distance of the bearings 74 above the support platform82 is approximately five feet. The particular leverage arm 81illustrated has two parallel beams 85 with respective spotter ends 87.Each beam 85 has a first section 76 and a second section 78 that anglestoward the floor 19′. The spotter ends 87 of the beams 90 are joined bya spotter bar 104. There is an adjuster 106 and weight bar 108 on eachbeam 85 near its spotter end 87.

The exercise machine 67 further has a counterweight arm 88 in the formof two beams 90 that are integral and co-planer with associated leveragearm beams 85. At the free end 92 of each counterweight beam 90 is acounterweight bar 96 on which can be placed a counterweight 98.

There is a force station 94 between the leverage arm spotter ends 87 andthe bearings 74. In the particular squat-type exercise machine 69illustrated, the force station 94 comprises a comfortable pad 121 oneach beam 85.

To use the exercise machine 69, a person stands on the support 86. Heplaces his shoulders against the pads 121. He exerts his leg muscles ina concentric function to pivot the leverage arm 81 in the direction ofarrow 125. At the end of the concentric muscle function a spotter (notshown) applies a small weight or manual force to the spotter bar 104.The small applied force creates a magnified load at the pads 121.Consequently, the exercising person must, and is able, to exert agreater force during the eccentric muscle function.

FIGS. 10-12 show in diagrammatic form the principles of the presentinvention as applied to several different types of exercise machines.FIG. 10 is the diagrammatic representation of the bench press exercisemachine 129 of FIGS. 7 and 8. In FIG. 10, the frame is at referencenumeral 131, the support for the exercising person is at referencenumeral 136, and the leverage arms is at reference numeral 133. Theleverage arm pivots at hearings 135 about the frame in response toexertion by the exercising person at the force station 138. The weightof the leverage arm is initially cancelled out by adding counterweights161 to the counterweight arm 143. Thus, the exercising person isrequired to exert only enough force only to overcome the gravitationalload of the first weights 163 during concentric muscle functions, plusthe small force applied to the spotter bar during eccentric musclefunctions.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of the squat-type exercisemachine 69 of FIG. 9. The leverage arm 81 and counterweight arm 88 pivotabout the frame 71 by means of the bearings 74. A person stands on thesupport 86 and exerts a force F against the force station 94. Theexercise machine 69 is particularly useful for standing calf andsquat-type exercises. The exercise machine 69 is also useful forshrug-type exercises.

FIG. 12A is a diagrammatic illustration of a calf raise exercise machine175. The exercise machine 175 has a frame 177 with bearings 179. Aleverage arm 181 with first weights 183 pivots about the bearings 179.The exercise machine 175 is shown with a counterweight arm 185 aridcounterweights 187. The force station 189 of the exercise machine 175 isin the form of a pair of short plates 191 depending from first sections193 of the leverage arm 181. The support 195 comprises a seat section197 and a vertical section 199.

A person uses the exercise machine 175 by kneeling on the support 195.He places his knees at the junction of the support sections 197 and 199and places the balls of his feet against the force station 189. Byexerting a force F with his calf muscles in a concentric function, theperson is able to pivot the leverage arm 1.81 in the direction of arrow201 against the gravitational load of the weights 183. A spotter appliesa small weight or hand force to the leverage arms in the mannerpreviously described for eccentric muscle functions.

FIG. 12B shows an exercise machine 203 for performing dip exercises,also known as power triceps exercises. The exercise machine 203 has aframe 205, bearings 207, leverage arm 209, and counterweight arm 211.The support 213 is in the form of a seat 215 and a thigh restraint 217.The force station 219 is on the opposite side of the bearings 207 as thefirst weights 221 on the leverage arm 209.

A person uses the exercise machine 203 by sitting on the support seat215 and putting his thighs under the restraint 217. With his arms, theperson pushes downwardly with a force F in a concentric muscle functionat the force station 219. The leverage arm 209 and the first weights 221pivot in the direction of arrow 222 during concentric muscle functions.

FIG. 12C shows an exercise machine 223 that is particularly useful forexercising the lower back of a person. The support 225 is a horizontalseat, which is on a tripod frame 227. The force station 229 is in theform of a pad 230 on the leverage arm 231. The pad 230 upstands from theleverage arm 231 in line with the common axis of the bearings 233. Aperson sits on the support seat 225 with his shoulders against the pad230. By a concentric muscle function, the person exerts a force Fbackwardly against the pad 230 to pivot the leverage arm 231 and firstweights 235 in the direction of arrow 237.

FIG. 12D illustrates in diagrammatic form an exercise machine 239 forexercising abdominal muscles. The exercise machine 239 has a tripod-typeframe 241 to which is attached a support in the form of a seat 243. Aleverage arm 245 with first weights 247 pivots about bearings 249. Theforce station 251 is a pad 252 on the leverage arm 245. A person sits onthe support seat 243 with his chest against the pad 252. He exerts aforce F in a forward motion to pivot the leverage arm 245 and firstweights 247 in the direction of arrow 253.

FIG. 12E shows in diagrammatic form the principles of the presentinvention applied to a seated rowing exercise machine 255. A support 257on a frame 259 has a horizontal seat 261 and an upright chest support263. The force station 260 is a pair of handle grips 254 on the leveragearm 265. The exercising person sits on the support seat 261 with hischest against the support upright 253. By pulling with his arms on thehandle grips 264, the person pivots the leverage arms 265 and firstweights 267 in the direction of arrow 269.

FIG. 12F diagrammatically represents a shoulder press exercise machine271. A person sits on a seat 273 of a support 275 with his back againsta backrest 277 of the support. A force station 279 of a leverage arm 281is at a height above the seat 273 to enable the person to grip a handlethere and exert an upward force F.

FIG. 12G shows a lateral pull exercise machine 283. A support 285 has aseat 286 and a thigh restraint 287. A person sits on the seat 286 withhis thighs under restraint 287. The force station 289 is above thesupport 285 such that the person can grip a handle there and pulldownwardly with a force F.

FIG. 12H represents a leg press exercise machine 291. A support 293 hasa seat 295 and a backrest 297. A person sits on the seat 295 with hisback against the backrest 297. He places his feet at a force station299, which is a plate 301 on the leverage arm 303. By pushing with hislegs in a concentric muscle function, the person exerts a force F topivot the leverage arm 303 in the direction of arrow 305.

FIG. 12I shows in diagrammatic form an exercise machine 307 useful forleg curl exercises. The exercise machine 307 has a frame 309 with asupport 311 in the form of a horizontal bench 313. A person sits on thebench 313 and places the tops of his feet against a force station 315.By a concentric muscle function of the appropriate muscles in his legs,the person exerts a force F at the force station 315 to pivot theleverage arm 317 and first weights 319 in the direction of arrow 321.

FIG. 12J is a diagrammatic representation of a triceps exercise machine323 according to the present invention. A tripod-type frame 325 has asupport 327 that is in two parts. The first part of the support 327 is acombination seat and backrest 329. The second part is a pad 331 abovethe seat and backrest 329. A person sits on the seat and backrest andplaces his elbows on the pad 331. With his hands he grips handles at theforce station 333. Exertion of a force F in a concentric function withhis triceps causes the leverage arm 335 and first weights 337 to pivotin the direction of arrow 339.

FIG. 12K shows in diagrammatic form an exercise machine 341 forexercising a person's biceps muscles. A support 343 has a seat 345 and apad 347 above the seat. A person sits on the seat 345 and places hiselbows on the pad 347. He grips handles at the force station 349 andexerts a force F to pivot the leverage arm 351 and first weights 353 inthe direction of arrow 355. Each of the exercise machines 175, 203, 223,239, 255, 271, 283, 291, 307, 323, and 341 of FIGS. 12A-12K,respectively, is shown with a counterweight arm and a counterweight,such as counterweight arm 185 and counterweight 187 of the exercisemachine 175. However, as explained previously, the counterweight armsand counterweights may be eliminated, if desired, without departing fromthe principles and inventive concepts of the present invention.Similarly, the exercise machines of FIGS. 12A-12K show the firstweights, such as first weights 183 of the exercise machine 175 (FIG.12A), as being close to the spotter ends of the respective leveragearms. However, for each exercise machine, the first weights may he closeto or at the respective force stations as described in connection withexercise machine 1 of FIGS. 1-4.

For each of the exercise machines, 175, 203, 223, 239, 255, 271, 283,291, 307, 323, and 341, the exercising person exerts a force in aconcentric muscle function to overcome the first weights placed on theleverage arm. At the end of each concentric muscle function, a spotterapplies a small weight or force with his hands to the leverage arm. Theapplied force imposes an increased gravitational load that the person iscapable of controlling during the eccentric muscle functions.

In summary, the results and advantages of the different capabilities ofhuman muscles in concentric and eccentric functions can now be morefully realized. The exercise machines of the present invention providemaximum efficiency when exercising various muscles. This desirableresult comes from using the combined functions of the leverage arm. Anexercising person pivots the leverage arm with first weights thereon intraditional concentric muscle functions. A small weight or manual forceapplied to the leverage arm spotter bar is magnified at the forcestation during eccentric muscle functions. The length of the leveragearm enables only a small weight or manual force applied to the spotterbar to have a significant effect at the force station. The principles ofthe present invention are applicable to a wide variety of exercisemachines, which all have in common a tripod-type frame, a support for aperson, and a leverage ann. The type of support and its locationrelative to the force station are variable for different embodiments ofthe invention to suit different exercising muscles. An optionalcounterweight arm and counterweights cancel out the weight of theleverage arm. It will also be recognized that in addition to thesuperior performance of the exercise machines, their construction issuch as to be less costly than traditional exercise machines. Also,since they are made of rugged materials and a simple design, the needfor maintenance, is practically eliminated.

Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance withthe invention, an exercise machine with leverage arms that fullysatisfies the aims and advantages set forth above. While the inventionhas been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, itis evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will beapparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoingdescription. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all suchalternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spiritand broad scope of the appended claims.

1. A method of exercising selected muscles comprising the steps of: a.resting a frame on a floor; b. pivotally connecting a leverage armhaving a force station to the frame at a pivotal connection; c. placingfirst weights on the leverage arm; d. supporting a person on a supportattached to the frame; e. contacting the force station with a selectedpart of the body of the person; f. exerting a concentric function with aselected muscle of the person and pivoting the leverage arm in a firstdirection; g. apply a small force to the leverage arm; and h. exertingan eccentric function with the selected muscle and pivoting the leveragearm in a second direction.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein: a. the stepof pivotally connecting a leverage arm comprises the step of creating afirst torque by the leverage arm and force station about the pivotalconnection; and b. the method of exercising comprises the further stepcounterbalancing the first torque about the pivotal connection with asecond torque equal and opposite the first torque.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein: a. the step of pivotally connecting a leverage armcomprises the step of pivotally connecting a leverage arm having a forcestation that is at a first distance from the pivotal connection; and b.the step of applying a small force to the leverage arm comprises thestep of placing a second weight on the leverage arm at a second distancegreater than the first distance from the pivotal connection.
 4. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the step of contacting the force stationcomprises the step of contacting the force station with hands of theperson.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of contacting theforce station comprises the step of contacting the force station withshoulders of the person.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step ofcontacting the force station comprises the step of contacting the forcestation with feet of the person.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein thestep of contacting the force station comprises the step of contactingthe force station with the back of the person.
 8. The method of claim 1wherein the step of contacting the force station comprises the step ofcontacting the force station with the abdomen of the person.
 9. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the step contacting the force stationcomprises the step of contacting the force station with legs of theperson.
 10. The method of claim 1 comprising the further step ofadjusting the angular orientation of the leverage arm relative to thefloor.
 11. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of placing firstweights on the leverage arm comprises the step of placing first weightson the leverage arm approximately at the first distance from the pivotalconnection.
 12. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of placing firstweights on the leverage arm comprises the step of placing first weightson the leverage arm approximately at the second distance from thepivotal connection.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein: a. the step ofpivotally connecting a leverage arm comprises the steps of pivotallyconnecting a pair of beams having respective spotter ends to the frame,and joining a spotter bar to the beams spotter ends; b. the step ofapplying a small force comprises the step of hanging a small weight onthe spotter bar.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein: a. the step ofpivotally connecting a leverage arm comprises the step of creating afirst torque by the leverage arm about the pivotal connection; and b.the method of exercising comprises the further step of creating a secondtorque equal and opposite the first torque about the pivotal connectionprior to placing the first weights on the leverage arm.
 15. The methodof claim 14 wherein the step of creating a second torque comprises thesteps of: a. providing a counterweight beam in operative associationwith each leverage arm beam and on opposite sides of the pivotalconnection as the associated leverage arm beams; and b. addingcounterweights to the counterweight beams in amounts sufficient tocreate the second torque.
 16. The method of claim 1 wherein the step ofapplying a small force to the leverage arm comprises the step ofmanually pushing on the leverage arm.
 17. The method of claim 1 wherein:a. the step of pivotally connecting a leverage arm comprises the step ofpivotally connecting a pair of beams having respective spotter ends tothe frame, and joining a spotter bar to the beams spotter ends; and b.the step of applying a small force comprises the step of manuallypushing on the spotter bar.